On Dec. 17, the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department celebrated Christmas with a potluck dinner.
A special presentation was made to Wendy Clarke in recognition of her many years of volunteer work in planning and organizing social and community events, such as the Halloween fireworks display, the children's Christmas party and various fundraising ventures.
Wendy noted the fire department received a donation to the first responders program in memory of Alec Walters. She said this gesture by his family was appreciated and appropriate as first responders provide assurance and comfort to families during emergencies, as well as caring for the person in distress.
The children's party this year featured rides around the Grove in a beautiful passenger wagon pulled by a pair of splendid Belgian horses. Twan and Lucia de Kok, owners of Ruth Lake Lodge, brought the team and wagon to the hall over a very icy Eagle Creek Road.
On Christmas Eve, two brightly decorated fire trucks wove their way through the Grove, with Santa on board and carols drifting through a Christmas-card evening. Our thanks to the firefighters for continuing this Grove tradition.
Hootenanny anniversary
Until a year ago, there was no opportunity for local musicians, dancers, writers and other performers to share their talents with the public at a specific venue in Forest Grove.
That is until a group of friends created the Hootenanny Café.
The hootenannies were a hit from the beginning. Held every six weeks at the Forest Grove Community Hall, they present an old-fashioned vaudeville-style bill of entertainment with an up-to-date mix of music, comedy and spoken word.
A ballerina may drift into the spotlight, followed by a poet reciting a cowboy's lament. A rock band, African drums, bluegrass or electronic music could fill the hall.
On Jan. 21, a special first anniversary Hootenanny will take place beginning at 7 p.m. Children are welcome. Wholesome snacks are available.
Anyone interested in performing should contact Steve and Astrid Roy at 250-397-4103.
Proceeds go to the Stumpranchers log school restoration fund.
Fire boundaries
In answer to questions about the fire protection area covered by the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department (FGVFD), Chief Bob Felker outlined the department's boundaries as follows:
• Kennedy Road, where the FGVFD joins 100 Mile House Fire-Rescue in a mutual aid agreement that enables the departments to share firefighting duties.
• Upper Houseman as far as the bridge.
• To and including Little Buffalo Angus Ranch on Drewry Lake Road.
• To and including Archie White Road at Ruth Lake
• Public beach at Canim Lake. Hawkins Lake Volunteer Firefighters Association protection area begins here.
• Howard Lake turnoff on South Canim.
For further information, contact Felker at 250-397-2393.
Around the Grove
• On Dec. 24, Rick, Tristan and two year-old Beau Deneef were on their way to visit family in Kamloops when they were surprised to receive an early Christmas present.
Shortly after a quick detour was made to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, their daughter, Willoe Reece, weighed in at eight pounds.
Tristan says Willoe is a beautiful, peaceful baby, and a perfect Christmas gift.
• Legion meat draw patrons on Dec. 31 were surprised by a visit from past president Sylvia Collier.
Sylvia was Legion Branch 261 president for 13 years. She now lives in Prince George.
• Tips for handling winter woes were contributed by walking club folks. For icy walkways, use crushed oyster shells from the feed store.
For cleaning grungy windows in woodstove doors, use ashes on a wet cloth.